Everything You Need To Know About Terpenes in Cannabis

Most people can detect the unique and strong odour of cannabis before they even see it. Cannabis gets its distinct odour from terpenes. 

Terpenes, which are aromatic compounds, are present in a wide variety of plants but are most closely associated with cannabis due to the high concentrations of terpenes found in cannabis. Up to 400 terpenes work together to give cannabis its distinctive aroma and flavour.

Although terpenes make up one of the most important natural compounds in the cannabis plant, they’ve only recently become a focus for those interested in the cannabis plant’s medicinal properties. 

Here’s what you need to know about cannabis-based terpenes for your next smoke sesh.

What are terpenes?

Plants get their specific scent, flavour and appearance from aromatic compounds known as terpenes. In simpler terms, terpenes are the essential oil of a plant. 

Cannabis plants contain well over 400 terpenes in them. With various combinations of terpenes come a wide variety of cannabis strains. 

The terpenes in weed work hard to provide a pleasant aroma and flavour whether it’s smoked or vaporized. Terpenes are entirely natural and organic, so there’s no need to worry.

What do terpenes do?

Terpenes help the cannabis plant do two things: attract pollinators and avoid being eaten by animals.

The plant’s terpenes are affected by climate, weather, maturity, fertilizers, the type of soil, and even the time of day. Different types of cannabis strains have particular terpene profiles that can change how the cannabis smells and how it makes you feel.

What are the effects of terpenes?

Terpenes have an effect on the body because they are bioactive. Terpenes are not intoxicating on their own, but they can change the way cannabis makes you feel and the benefits you can get from them. The effect of terpenes will depend on the potency of the terpenes and how you use them. 

What are the benefits of terpenes?

Different strains of various types of terpenes have multiple effects. Terpenes are widely known to have therapeutic and medical benefits such as:

• Anti-inflammatory
• Anti-tumorigenic
• Neuroprotective effects

How are cannabinoids and terpenes different?

Although both cannabinoids and terpenes are organic compounds found in the cannabis plant, they serve very different purposes.

Terpenes can be produced by a wide variety of plants, including herbs, flowers, trees, and others. Unlike terpenes, cannabinoids are unique to cannabis. Here are some cannabinoids you may be familiar with:

• CBD – Cannabidiol is the second most common active ingredient in cannabis; it has numerous medical uses and is non-intoxicating. 
• CBG – Cannabigerol is the “mother of all cannabinoids” as you obtain other cannabinoids from the acidic form of CBG (cannabigerolic acid). 
• THC – Tetrahydrocannabinol is where marijuana gets most of its psychological effects. 
• THCV – Tetrahydrocannabivarin is said to reduce appetite and give a shot of energy. Frequently called “weederall” or “diet-weed.” 

Essentially terpenes enhance what cannabinoids do to the body. When terpenes and cannabinoids collaborate, they cause what is known as the entourage effect. 

What are the types of terpenes?

Earlier, we told you that a cannabis plant has more than 400 terpenes. Here are some of the most well-known terpenes in cannabis right now. 

Caryophyllene

Caryophyllene is quite remarkable in comparison to other terpene-derived cannabis. It is due to its distinct feature of acting as both a terpene and cannabinoid. 

Caryophyllene-rich cannabis strains have a musky and warm smell. When you infuse this terpene, it tends to have a peppery, spicy and sharp aroma. 

The potential benefits of the beta-caryophyllene terpene are as follows:

• Pain relief
• It may help reduce inflammation
• Supports Brain Health 
• Supports the immune system
• Treatment for Inflammatory-Bowl Disease
• Treatment for Anxiety & Depression 
• Has a cancer-fighting effect 

If you are interested in trying a caryophyllene terpene, consider Pink Small Gods.

Humulene

Humulene is a terpene widely used in Traditional Chinese Medicine for hundreds of years as it has many health benefits. The discovery of this terpene was through the hops plant. This family of plants includes hemp and marijuana. 

Do you prefer peppery herbs fresh from the garden or a woody, hoppy, craft beer-like aroma? Then you are sure to enjoy this terpene. Here are some benefits you can reap from the terpene humulene :

• Anti-inflammatory properties
• Has tumour and cancer-fighting effect 
• Aid in appetite suppression and weight loss
• Help fight allergies
• Supports the immune system

Some products to try if humulene terpene sounds right for you are Death Star and Girl Scout Cookies.

Limonene 

Terpenes like limonene are the main ingredient in oranges, grapefruit, limes and lemons. There are also plentiful limonene terpenes in cannabis. 

Cannabis strains rich in limonene terpene are known to:

• Increase energy levels as well as boost your mood
• Alleviate the symptoms of anxiety and depression
• Help prevent unwanted swelling
• Have antioxidants — protect your cells against free radicals

Love a wonderful citrusy sweet scent? Enjoy a fruity, refreshing taste? Try llimonene terpene-rich products like Wedding Cake or Mule Fuel.

Linalool

The linalool terpene has a subtle spiciness and a sweet, floral smell. Although linalool is considered a minor terpene, it has many benefits. 

Do you need help with:

• Getting a restful sleep?
• Alleviating pain?
• Winding down after a stressful day?
• Depression and Anxiety?

If so, you are not alone since the linalool is very popular among users trying to get healthy and feel good. Terpenes like linalool are a top choice due to their effect on serotonin receptors. 

Myrcene 

Cannabis strains with more myrcene terpenes have flavours similar to exotic fruit. The terpene has an earthy, musky aroma as well. 

Myrcene is a reasonably common terpene in cannabis plants. This terpene is present in mangoes, lemongrass and thyme. Terpenes like myrcene have been present for centuries as it is common in folk medicine. 

The myrcene terpene advantages include:

• Reduce anxiety
• Relax muscles & reduce pain
• Anti-inflammatory properties
• Antioxidant 
• Improve sleep
• Strengthening the immune system 

Give Snow White a try if you want to get into myrcene terpenes.

Pinene 

It is easy to tell when a cannabis plant is full of pinene terpenes as it smells like pine. The pinene terpene has a mixture of sweet, fruity and herbaceous flavours. 

Pinene terpenes have multiple properties, which include:

• Aid in respiratory health
• Helpful antidepressant
• Reduces anxiety
• Anti-inflammatory
• Preventing antibiotic resistance
• Neuroprotective
• Reduces bacterial growth
• Promotes gut health

Pinene terpenes come in two variations: alpha-pinen and beta-pinene. Alpha-pinene is the more common terpene in cannabis plants. The base molecules of the two terpenes are their main difference. 

What are the uses for terpenes?

Terpenes are essential to cannabis because they regulate the plant’s development at every stage. Even though terpenes are what give each cannabis plant its distinct smell, they also influence the plant’s taste, colour, and possible effects.

You may already be able to tell slight differences between terpenes because you know that different types of cannabis have distinct aromas. But you should also pay attention to the profile of the terpenes because they can change how certain cannabis products make you feel.

How do you decide which terpenes are suitable for you?

Terpenes give each cannabis strain its unique traits. As the number of different types of cannabis plants rises, terpenes help distinguish each strain from the other. 

What is your body telling you? Do you feel stressed and restless or often in low spirits with no energy? Do you like a fruity or bitter taste? Are refreshing or deep musky smells appealing to you? 

Choosing the right terpenes for you involves the particular entourage effect and beneficial properties you want. If smell, taste, or smell are your priority, looking up if there are terpenes that reflect your taste will help you with your decision. 

You are in good hands at Speed Greens! Shop terpene-rich cannabis products for your specific needs.